Eric Thohir, the President of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), praised coach John Herdman, who affirmed that building a strong football team is a long and complex process. Herdman's statements came during a press conference ahead of his first match with the Indonesian national team, where the team achieved a significant victory over Saint Kitts and Nevis with a score of 4-0 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Thohir expressed his full support for Herdman, pointing out the importance of commitment and ongoing support in building a strong team. He stated, "As mentioned, Herdman made a good statement that building the national team is not a quick process; it requires time and effort. We are here to support him in this endeavor."
Event Details
Under Herdman's leadership, who took over the Indonesian national team two months ago, the team aims to realize its dream of reaching the 2030 World Cup. The coach indicated that everything he does is a step towards achieving this goal, emphasizing that success requires hard work and continuous planning.
The victory over Saint Kitts and Nevis marks a promising start for the Garuda team, which seeks to restore its position on the international stage after failing to qualify for the current World Cup. The team is now preparing to face Bulgaria, which is considered one of the strong teams in the world, currently ranked 87th in the global rankings.
Background & Context
Historically, Indonesia has faced significant challenges in the world of football, having not qualified for the World Cup since 1938. However, the Indonesian Football Association is striving to change this reality by investing more in player development and infrastructure.
The appointment of Herdman, who has extensive experience coaching national teams, is considered a strategic move aimed at rebuilding the team and improving its performance. Herdman has previously achieved successes with other teams, which enhances the hopes of Indonesian fans for positive results.
Impact & Consequences
The victory over Saint Kitts and Nevis reflects a strong start to a new era under Herdman's leadership and may boost the confidence of players and fans in achieving future goals. Additionally, facing Bulgaria will serve as a real test of the team's capabilities as it seeks to prove itself against a strong opponent.
Success in these matches could lead to an improvement in Indonesia's FIFA ranking, potentially easing its chances of qualifying for major tournaments in the future. Furthermore, fan support will play a significant role in motivating players to deliver their best performances.
Regional Significance
Although Indonesia is not an Arab country, its successes in football may inspire Arab nations that are also striving to develop their national teams. Many Arab countries face similar challenges in building strong teams capable of competing at the international level.
The lessons learned from Indonesia's experience under Herdman could be beneficial for Arab countries, as focusing on long-term team building and investing in youth can lead to positive outcomes in the future.